Originally Posted by gobicycling

The surgeon is all important. My wife's a retired nurse, and can tell you horror stories about certain surgeons, and others are great. Check them out carefully through references, ask operating room nurses and mostly important ask physical therapists. They know who is good and who is not. A friend of ours was butchered by a surgeon who had two cases of malpractice against him in another state. She did not check the medical board website to see what charges have been made against the surgeon she had.
As far as the fusion, I had a great surgeon and it went well. I also had a great physical therapist and was riding my mountain bike on the street/paths in 18 days. I still have to be careful and stretch everyday, which I do religiously. Second opinions are always called for.